Introduction
If there’s one thing I look forward to every Thanksgiving (besides pumpkin pie, of course), it’s stuffing. But sometimes, no matter how good it is, the stuffing gets overlooked next to the golden turkey and the creamy mashed potatoes. That’s why I’m obsessed with making Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls—bite-sized little flavor bombs that take all the goodness of stuffing and turn it into the star of the show.
I first tried a version of these at a Friendsgiving years ago, and I remember thinking, “This is genius—stuffing in a neat little package with cranberries tucked inside? Count me in.” They were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with turkey, herbs, and just the right amount of sweetness from the cranberries. From that year on, they became a non-negotiable part of my holiday spread.
What makes these so special? Well, not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly practical. You can make them ahead of time, freeze them, and pop them in the oven when you’re ready. They’re easy to portion, kid-friendly, and make for a beautiful presentation. Honestly, once you try them, regular stuffing just won’t feel the same anymore.
Let’s dive in and make a batch of these festive little gems!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls:
Classic Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (lean or regular)
- 4 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or boxed mix)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 large egg (to bind everything together)
- ½ cup chicken or turkey broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (or fresh, finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for brushing or drizzling before baking)
Substitution Ideas
- Ground Turkey: Swap with ground chicken or even sausage for extra flavor.
- Stuffing: Use gluten-free stuffing mix or cornbread stuffing if preferred.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries (chopped) or golden raisins also work beautifully.
- Egg: For an egg-free version, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
- Broth: Vegetable broth works well if you want a lighter, less meaty flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
These Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls come together quickly and bake up golden and delicious. Here’s how:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, prepared stuffing, dried cranberries, egg, parsley, sage, salt, and pepper. Slowly add broth as needed—just enough to moisten the mixture so it holds together without being soggy.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Using clean hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds (about 1 ½ inches in diameter). Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Brush with Butter or Oil
Lightly brush or drizzle the stuffing balls with olive oil or melted butter. This helps them crisp up and develop that beautiful golden crust.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the stuffing balls are firm, golden brown, and the turkey is fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C).
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs for a festive touch.
Extra Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside turkey and gravy for the ultimate holiday plate.
- Pair with cranberry sauce or a creamy dipping sauce.
- Skewer them with toothpicks for an easy appetizer at parties.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep them crisp.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked or baked stuffing balls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
Ingredient Variations
- Add sautéed onions and celery for extra flavor.
- Mix in shredded cheese (like Parmesan or mozzarella) for a melty twist.
- Use cornbread stuffing for a Southern-inspired version.
Nutritional Information (per serving – about 2 balls)
- Calories: ~210
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
(Adapted from Newsile’s Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls recipe)
FAQ Section
Q: How long does it take to make Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls?
A: About 15 minutes of prep time and 20–25 minutes of baking. Perfect for busy holiday cooking schedules!
Q: Can I substitute the turkey?
A: Yes! Ground chicken, pork, or sausage all work. For a vegetarian option, try plant-based ground “meat” or even lentils.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Definitely. Freeze them either baked or unbaked, then reheat or bake when needed. They’re a great make-ahead holiday dish!
Q: Why are my stuffing balls falling apart?
A: Usually this means the mixture needs more binder (egg or broth). If it feels too dry, add a splash of broth until it holds together.
Conclusion
And there you have it—festive, flavorful Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls that are guaranteed to be the hit of your holiday table. They’re the perfect combination of savory turkey, herby stuffing, and sweet cranberries—all baked into a neat little package that everyone will love.
I can’t tell you how many times these have saved me during the holidays. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also make portioning easy, they freeze beautifully, and they look downright gorgeous on the table.
So whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, heading to a potluck, or just craving a taste of the holidays, these stuffing balls are a must-try.
👉 If you make them, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share how they turned out. Bonus points if you snap a picture—I’d love to see your creations!
Happy holiday cooking!